It is exciting times at Middlesex Swimming, as the club has merged with London Eclipse Water Polo to create a brand new program, Middlesex Water Polo. Middlesex Swimming now has three components to its club: competitive swimming, water polo, and masters swimming/water polo. It is now a one-of-a-kind program in Canada.
After developing strong swimming skills, young athletes aged 8-10 will be introduced to the basics of water polo. By age 10-11, they can decide which path they’d like to focus on: swimming or water polo. Athletes also have the option of doing both from the ages of 11 and up.
The goal is to produce skilled water polo players with strong aerobic swim abilities. This will help Middlesex Water Polo offer an elite level program to Londoners. Water Polo offerings will start as early as July. Check the website!
Coach Arturo Ortiz
Middlesex Water Polo is happy to welcome new head coach, Arturo Ortiz. A graduate of the Sport National School of Cali-Columbia with a diploma in Sport (Development), Ortiz has 12 years of experience as a full-time Water Polo coach and part-time swim coach.
He has spent 25 years in the sport overall, including 15 years combined as a player on the Columbian Provincial and National Teams, where he competed at the Pan Am Games, Central American Games, South American Championships, Pan American Championships, and Pre-Olympics, earning seven medals along the way.
Ortiz was the head coach of Western University’s Water Polo team in 2012-13, and held the same role at London Eclipse Water Polo from 2011-2014. Previously, he spent a decade at the helm of a Columbian Provincial team (winning coach of the year honours twice), and was a two-time Columbian National Team head coach.
Middlesex Swimming Facts
- Middlesex is now a 250-member club.
- Summer programs are available in July/August
- 2015-2016 programs begin in September
- Contact: info@middlesexswimming.ca
Story submitted by: Middlesex Swimming/Middlesex Water Polo
